The Humble Kettle Bell

Kettle Bells are usually made of cast iron, and originated in Russia as a popular option for weight lifting as far back as the 1800s.

Today, Kettle Bells can be found in almost all rehabilitation centres, gyms and are a popular choice for many home workouts. You’ll notice that we have a large selection of kettle bells in our very own rehab gym.

Why do people choose to use Kettle Bells?

The Kettle Bell’s popularity stems from their versatility, not only can you find them in a range of weights (and colours), but the options for exercises and movements extend beyond most other forms of equipment. Kettle bells are also very affordable, and are available in many “fitness” sections of shops. In short, kettle bells can be used by almost anyone, for almost any part of the body.

How are Kettle Bells used?

Using a Kettle Bell is a form of resistance training, where the body has to work to move the Kettle Bell. Usually, the user holds the handle with two hands but as their technique progresses they may move to one Kettle Bell per hand and more complex movements. Kettle Bells can be used through general lifting from the ground upwards, swinging movements and even more sophisticated sequences where two to four exercises are transitioned between.

How could using a Kettle Bell help me achieve my goals?

Due to the versatility of Kettle Bells, the range of movements mean they can support in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility and even muscular endurance. This is why using a Kettle Bell is such a popular choice amongst physiotherapists and other rehabilitation experts, the opportunities for helping you achieve your goals are endless. Throughout the program, the Kettle Bell in use can be made heavier, and the movements can become more difficult and ballistic in nature.

Where do I start?

Including Kettle Bells into your routine is a great decision, but one that needs to be strategic. Kettle Bells are extremely versatile, so it is important you are getting proper guidance and using it to your advantage to achieve your goals! Speak to your physiotherapist about how to incorporate Kettle Bells into your program in 2019, and ask them to give you some tips next time you are in the rehab gym. Contact the practice for an assessment today on (02) 4721 7798, email info@progressiverehab.com.au or book your next appointment online, here.

Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.

Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.

Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.

As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.

Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024. 

Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.

Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).

Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.

Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools. 

Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.

Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.

Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.

Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.

Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.

During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.